Multi-layer graphic illustrations

ABSTRACT

The multi-layer graphic illustration includes a first frame coupled to a second frame. A background image is fastened to the first frame and a foreground image is coupled to the second frame and offset from the background image. In this regard, the multi-layer graphic illustration produces a three-dimensional image effect due to the offset nature of the background image relative to the foreground image as mounted to each respective frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to art and painting. More particularly,the invention relates to multi-layer graphic illustrations that producea three-dimensional effect.

Historically, paintings have been two-dimensional. These types ofpaintings date back as early as cave paintings and are continuallyproduced in many different types of artwork today. Over time, artistshave employed a plurality of different methods and techniques ofapplying paint or other media to a surface (e.g. canvas, board, wood,etc.) to form these two-dimensional paintings. Artists have evenendeavored to employ techniques for producing three-dimensional effectssuch as raised paint textures. Nevertheless, these images or paintingsare still physically two-dimensional and lack the depth required toproduce a three-dimensional effect. Accordingly, such single layerartwork has physical limitations that cannot be overcome to produce truethree-dimensional effects. Moreover, wall sculptures, although placed ona wall in the same manner as a two-dimensional image or painting, isstill considered a three-dimensional sculpture. Thus, the prior artfails to disclose graphic illustrations capable of producing athree-dimensional effect within the traditional two-dimensional pictureplane.

There exists, therefore, a significant need for a multi-layer graphicillustration capable of producing a three-dimensional effect within atraditional two-dimensional plane. Such a multi-layer graphicillustration should include multiple complementary semi-transparent orfully transparent two-dimensional images spaced apart from one another,should include a common background image complementary to thesemi-transparent or fully transparent two-dimensional images, shouldallow for more than two layers of images, and should be compatible witha plurality of different artistic materials. The present inventionfulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention for a multi-layer graphic illustration includes afirst frame associated with a second frame. A background image ismechanically or adhesively fastened to the first frame and a foregroundimage is coupled to the second frame and offset from the backgroundimage to produce a three-dimensional image effect. In one embodiment,the first frame is an outer frame and the second frame is a relativelysmaller inner frame. Here, the inner frame couples to the inside of theouter frame by friction fit or snap-tight fit. Accordingly, theforeground image is wedged between the outer frame and the inner frame.In an alternative embodiment, the first frame and the second frame areoffset by a plurality of spacers, such as dowels. The offset nature ofthe first frame relative to the second frame produces a gaptherebetween. An artist may complement the background image or theforeground image by applying additional lighting or other image effectsthrough the gap between the first frame and the second frame.

Preferably, the foreground image is complementary to and substantiallyplanar with the background image. Moreover, an additional supplementalimage coupled to the first frame may be complementary to and offset fromthe background image and the foreground image to enhance thethree-dimensional effect in accordance with the present invention. Thebackground image, the foreground image, or the supplemental imagepreferably comprises a painting or a photograph. Moreover, a portion ofthe background image, the foreground image, and the supplemental imagemay be substantially transparent to enable adequate viewing of at leasta portion of the designs thereon. The multi-layer graphic illustrationmay also include a substantially transparent protective cover. In oneembodiment, the protective cover mounts to the outside of the firstframe when the second frame is disposed within its interior. In analternative embodiment, the protective cover mounts to the outside ofthe second frame when the second frame is offset from the first frame bythe spacers. The protective cover preferably comprises glass or plasticand provides protection for the multi-layer graphic illustration.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-layer graphicillustration in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled multi-layer graphicillustration;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-layer graphicillustration, taken about the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a corner of themulti-layer graphic illustration, taken about the circle 4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative multi-layergraphic illustration in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the alternative multi-layer graphicillustration of FIG. 5, fully assembled;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled alternativemulti-layer graphic illustration, taken about the line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a corner of thealternative multi-layer graphic illustration, taken about the circle 8in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-layer graphicillustration having offset frames;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fully assembled multi-layer graphicillustration having offset frames;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled multi-layer graphicillustration having offset frames, taken about the line 11-11 in FIG.10; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a corner of themulti-layer graphic illustration having offsetting frames, taken aboutthe circle 12 in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the presentinvention for a multi-layer graphic illustration is generally referencedto as numeral 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-layer graphicillustration 10 includes a main frame 12 that has a substantiallytwo-dimensional background 14 attached thereto. In general, themulti-layer graphic illustration 10 is an artwork capable of providingthree-dimensional aspects into an otherwise two-dimensional painting andcorresponding frame. The main frame 12 is a box-like structure thatreceives the background 14 and is capable of serving as a canvas tostretch a second layer 16 in conjunction with a secondary frame 18. In apreferred embodiment, the background 14 attaches around the outerperiphery of the main frame 12 by any method known in the art. Forexample, the background 14 may attach to the main frame 12 by anadhesive, staples, clips or another mechanism capable of attaching acanvas-like layer to a frame. An artist preferably paints a backgrounddesign 20 to the background 14 before attachment to main frame 12. In analternative embodiment, the background design 20 may be a photograph orother printed surface that comprises the background 14.

A secondary design 22 painted or otherwise applied to the second layer16 may complement the background design 20 as best shown in FIG. 2. Likethe background 14, the second layer 16 may comprise a photograph, apainted canvas or virtually any other surface capable of receiving adesign or picture. Preferably, the second layer 16 is somewhattransparent such that a viewer is capable of seeing the backgrounddesign 20 imparted to the background 14. The secondary frame 18 ispreferably sized to be received within the interior perimeter of themain frame 12 to effectively stretch and retain a portion of the outerperiphery of the second layer 16 therebetween. In this manner, thesecond layer 16 is stretched within the interior of the main frame 12similar to a canvas. In this embodiment, the secondary frame 18 remainswedged within the interior of the main frame 12 by friction fit, snaptight fit or any other method known in the art for retaining one framerelative to another.

In accordance with using the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 asartwork, the main frame 12 may also serve as a final decorative framesuch that a user need not purchase another frame in order to display themulti-layer graphic illustration 10 of the present invention as artwork.This aspect of the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 eliminates theneed for purchasing another frame. The main frame 12 may also serve as aholder for other layers, as described in more detail below. Preferably,the main frame 12 and the secondary frame 18 are box-like rigidstructures that have decorative and structural functions, as describedabove. But, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognizethat the main frame 12 and the secondary frame 18 may be formed invirtually any shape, size or form as long as the frames 12, 18 arecapable of retaining a plurality of layers to form the three-dimensionaleffect as described herein with regard to the present invention.Ultimately, the main purpose of the multi-layer graphic illustration 10is as decorative art.

More specifically, the background 14 includes the background design 20,which is capable of being viewed within the inside periphery of the mainframe 12. The background 14 and the second layer 16 are preferablytransparent or semi-transparent and comprise clear plastic, wire mesh,screen, wire cloth or any other material capable of receiving anartistic design. Notably, a viewer should be able to see the backgrounddesign 20 through the surface of the second layer 16. An artist mayprint a design directly to the background 14 or the second layer 16. Aclear plastic or glass protective cover (not illustrated) may attach tothe main frame 12 to protect the artwork. Alternatively, an artist maypaint the background design 20 to the background 14 or paint thesecondary design 22 to the second layer 16. For example, the designs 20,22 may applied by means of silk screening. Of course, other techniquesof printing known in the art may be used to impart the designs 20, 22 tothe background 14 and the second layer 16. In another aspect of thepresent invention, the secondary design 22 may partially block viewingof the background design 20. Portions of the secondary design 22 mayinclude opaque, translucent or clear designs applied or pasted to thesecond layer 16 in a collage technique. Aspects of the secondary design22 may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. A three-dimensionaldesign may extend out from the flush periphery of the main frame 12 orthe secondary frame 18. Of course, the secondary design 22 may comprisea two-dimensional painting or a picture in combination with theaforementioned three-dimensional artwork.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-layer graphicillustration 10 having the background design 20 superimposed by thesecondary design 22. The secondary frame 18 is smaller than the mainframe 12 as generally shown in FIG. 2. The smaller secondary frame 18has three primary functions. First, the secondary frame 18 is used tostretch the second layer 16 within the interior of the main frame 12.FIG. 4 best illustrates a portion of the second layer 16 wedged betweenthe interior of the main frame 12 and the external periphery of thesecondary frame 18. Second, the secondary frame 18 may serve as a liningfor the main frame 12. That is, the secondary frame 18 may providecontrast or further coloration to the inline of the main frame 12.Third, the secondary frame 18 may artistically complement any artworkapplied to the main frame 12. In this regard, the artist may endeavor toapply further artwork, such as paint, directly to either the main frame12 or the secondary frame 18. Thus, the secondary frame 18 complementsthe design on the main frame 12.

In one embodiment, the secondary frame 18 is specifically sized andconstructed so that the outer perimeter thereof fits into the insideperimeter of the main frame 12. There should be enough room to snugglyfit the width of the second layer 16 between the outer perimeter of thesecondary frame 18 and the interior perimeter of the main frame 12, asbest shown in FIG. 4. The main frame 12 may further include anindentation wherein a portion of the second layer 16 remains wedgedtherein relative to the secondary frame 18. This ensures consistency andplacement of the second layer 16 as mounted between the main frame 12and the secondary frame 18. Thus, when fully assembled, as shown in FIG.2, the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 produces a multi-layer workof art that appears to be three-dimensional to a viewer due to theoffset nature of the background 14 relative to the second layer 16.

In accordance with the present invention, the multi-layer graphicillustration 10 has nearly endless potential in the application ofproducing three-dimensional graphic illustrations. That is, the artistand/or publisher is presented with great possibilities and multiplecombinations of layers within one frame. Accordingly, the multi-layergraphic illustration 10 may include a plurality of original paintings orphotographs, an original painting or photograph and a reproduction of apainting or photograph, or multiple reproductions. The important aspectis that the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 include multiple imagelayers offset from one another to produce a three-dimensional effectwhen viewed. It is particularly preferred that the images on theselayers complement one another within a particular scene.

Moreover, the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 has a plurality ofadvantages in respect to appearance and functionality over the priorart. For example, the overall image appears to be three-dimensional,which facilitates unlimited freedom for expression in a new-style artform. Accordingly, the technique for producing the multi-layer graphicillustration 10 disclosed herein enables artists to make new art. Inturn, the art market will be more diverse and ultimately the consumingpublic has a greater availability and range of art products from whichto choose. The multi-layer graphic illustration also enhances thediversity and artistic expression available. Lastly, the presentinvention eliminates the use and expense of additional framing. Theinclusion and integration of the frames, specifically the main frame 12and the secondary frame 18 with respect to FIGS. 1-4, enable an artistto eliminate the additional expense of framing the painting. Moreover,the frames may actually be designed and integrated into the overallartwork. For example, the main frame 12 may be a simple standard frameavailable in the market, a decorative frame that complements theartwork, or an elaborate design that becomes part of the artwork itself.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the multi-layer graphicillustration 10 in accordance with the present invention. In thisembodiment, the background 14 is fastened to the main frame 12, asdescribed above. Again, the second layer 16 is mounted within theinterior of the main frame 12 by use of the secondary frame 18.Accordingly, the second layer 16, once positioned within the interior ofthe main frame 12, is offset from the background 14. FIG. 5 furtherillustrates the addition of the second layer 16′ as coupled between themain frame 12 and a secondary frame 18′. The second layer 16′ and thesecondary frame 18′ are positioned within and coupled to the main frame12 in the same manner as are the second layer 16 and the secondary frame18. FIG. 6 illustrates the combination of the background design 20, thesecondary design 22 and a secondary design 22′ all within the main frame12. As shown, and most preferable in the present invention, the secondlayers 16, 16′ are at least partially transparent or substantiallytransparent to enable a user to view each design 20, 22, 22′ placedwithin the main frame 12. In this embodiment, the multi-layer graphicillustration 10 advantageously combines the features of thetwo-dimensional background 14 and the secondary layers 16, 16′ (aspaintings, photographs, etc.) utilizing one or more semi-transparent orfully transparent sheets having the designs 20, 22, 22′ thereon. Inturn, the multi-layer graphic illustration produces a three-dimensionaleffect when viewed.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-layer graphic illustration10 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7, and more particularly FIG. 8, illustratesthe positioning of the secondary frames 18, 18′ within the interior ofthe main frame 12. Accordingly, the second layers 16, 16′ are wedgedbetween the main frame 12 and the respective secondary frames 18, 18′.The secondary frames 18, 18′ fit inside the main frame 12 to offset thesecond layers 16, 16′ from one another and to offset the second layers16, 16′ from the background 14. The artist may endeavor to vary thedistance between the background 14 and the second layer 16, between thesecond layer 16 and second layer 16′, or between the second layer 16′and any other additional second layer placed within the interior of themain frame 12. Ultimately, the relative distances between each of theimages is optional and depends on the desirable effect and the overallcomposition of the multi-layer graphic illustration 10. The combinationof the background 14 with the second layers 16, 16′ accumulativelycreates the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 which, to the viewer,appears to be three-dimensional. Accordingly, the addition of multiplesecond layers 16 enhances the depth and ultimately the three-dimensionaleffect of the multi-layer graphic illustration 10.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the multi-layergraphic illustration 10 in accordance with the present invention. Inthis embodiment, the main frame 12 includes a plurality of dowels 24positioned therein and engageable with the secondary frame 18. Thedowels 24 enable the artist to offset the secondary frame 18 from themain frame 12. The concept of producing the three-dimensional effect inthis embodiment is similar to the aforementioned embodiments. That is,the background 14 is fastened to the backside of the main frame 12,opposite the dowels 24. Preferably, the second layer 16 attaches to thesecondary frame 18 in a manner similar as the background 14 is fastenedto the main frame 12. The layering of the background 14, the main frame12, the second layer 16 and the secondary frame 18 is best shown in FIG.11.

FIG. 10 illustrates the background design 20 of the background 14 asfastened to the main frame 12 and visible through the second layer 16having the secondary design 22 thereon. The dowels 24 offset the mainframe 12 from the secondary frame 18 to produce such a three-dimensionaleffect between the background 14 and the second layer 16. As best shownin FIGS. 11-12, a gap 26 resides between the main frame 12 and thesecondary frame 18. The gap 26 enables light to enter between thebackground 14 and the second layer 16 such that the artist may producefurther visual effects with lighting or other projections in combinationwith the designs 20, 22. Accordingly, FIG. 12 more specificallyillustrates the positioning of the main frame 12 offset from thesecondary frame 18 by the dowel 24. The background 14, as attached tothe main frame 12, is shown offset from the second layer 16, as attachedto the secondary frame 18. Moreover, a protective cover (notillustrated) may also be attached to the secondary frame 18 forprotection thereof.

The multi-layer graphic illustration 10 opens a new approach to imageryand painting, in general. That is, an artist may manipulate the imagesof the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 to produce various visualeffects. For example, the artist may design the multi-layer graphicillustration to have the image change as the angle of the viewerchanges. Artists also may now present a new form of art to clients wherethe frame is part of the actual artwork and therefore eliminates anyneed to purchase and/or replace the frame after the painting ispurchased. The multi-layer graphic illustration 10 may also haveapplication as a window screen or a standing sculpture. The multi-layergraphic illustration 10 can also be manufactured inexpensively becauseof the use of minimal parts, simplicity and ease of assembly.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that theabove-described aspects of the multi-layer graphic illustration 10 aremerely an exemplification of the preferred embodiments. Many othervariations are possible. The main frame 12 may have many differentconfigurations and may be constructed of many different types ofmoldings and materials. For example, the main frame 12 and/or thesecondary frame 18 may be manufactured from a transparent, translucentor highly decorative material. Alternatively, the main frame 12 and thecorresponding secondary frame 18 may be manufactured from any size,shape or form as long as the combination of the frames 12, 18 arecapable of retaining a plurality of images therein offset relative toone another to produce the three-dimensional effect described herein. Inanother example, the background 14 could be made as a collage or raised,three-dimensional artwork, and may protrude through the second layer 16,or other multiple layers disposed within the main frame 12.

In another alternative aspect of the present invention, the second layer16 could be flat, but made from materials other than screen or mesh.Other artistic materials or images may be suspended from the secondlayer 16 or the background 14 such that these artistic pieces appear tofloat in space. Also, the second layer 16 may be bands of canvas, or anyother artistic materials, that partially cover or partially reveal thebackground 14, or any other layer disposed within the main frame 12.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made to each withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

1. A multi-layer graphic illustration, comprising: a first frame; asecond frame associated with the first frame; a background imagefastened to the first frame; and a foreground image coupled to thesecond frame and offset from the background image to produce athree-dimensional image effect.
 2. The graphic illustration of claim 1,wherein the foreground image is complementary to and substantiallyplanar with the background image.
 3. The graphic illustration of claim1, wherein the second frame couples to the inside of the first frame byfriction fit or snap-tight fit.
 4. The graphic illustration of claim 3,wherein foreground image is disposed between the second frame and thefirst frame.
 5. The graphic illustration of claim 1, including a gapbetween the first frame and the second frame.
 6. The graphicillustration of claim 5, comprising a plurality of spacers foroffsetting the first frame from the second frame to produce the gap. 7.The graphic illustration of claim 1, wherein the background imagemechanically or adhesively fastens to the first frame.
 8. The graphicillustration of claim 1, wherein the background image and the foregroundimage are substantially two-dimensional.
 9. The graphic illustration ofclaim 1, including a supplemental image coupled to the first frame andcomplementary to and offset from the background image and the foregroundimage.
 10. The graphic illustration of claim 1, wherein a portion of thebackground image, the foreground image or the supplemental image issubstantially transparent.
 11. The graphic illustration of claim 1,wherein the background image or the foreground image comprise a paintingor a photograph.
 12. The graphic illustration of claim 1, including asubstantially transparent protective cover associated with the frames.13. The graphic illustration of claim 12, wherein the protective covercomprises glass or plastic.
 14. A multi-layer graphic illustration,comprising: a first frame; a second frame associated with the firstframe; a gap between the first frame and the second frame; a backgroundimage fastened to the first frame; and a foreground image disposedbetween the first frame and the second frame and being complementary to,substantially planar with, and offset from the background image toproduce a three-dimensional image effect, wherein the background imageor the foreground image comprise a painting or a photograph.
 15. Thegraphic illustration of claim 14, comprising a plurality of spacers foroffsetting the first frame from the second frame to produce the gap. 16.The graphic illustration of claim 14, wherein the background imagemechanically or adhesively fastens to the first frame.
 17. The graphicillustration of claim 14, wherein the background image and theforeground image are substantially two-dimensional.
 18. The graphicillustration of claim 14, including a supplemental image coupled to thefirst frame and complementary to and offset from the background imageand the foreground image.
 19. The graphic illustration of claim 18,wherein a portion of the background image, the foreground image or thesupplemental image is substantially transparent.
 20. The graphicillustration of claim 14, including a substantially transparentprotective cover associated with the frames, wherein the protectivecover comprises glass or plastic.